Our former governor filed the lawsuit today against the TSA, claiming its agents violated his rights during a November pat-down and full body scan search at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Ventura had hip replacement surgery two years ago, and the titanium hardware in his body sets off airport metal detectors. He claims that as a result, he's been unnecessarily subjected to pat downs and body scans.

The way he figures it, his status as a military veteran, former governor, and frequent flyer ought to qualify him for the TSA's "trusted traveler" exemption to the searches. But he says he's been denied that classification, and in November was denied the option of undergoing a hand wand metal detector check. And he's not looking forward to a future of TSA groping and voyeurism as he flies around the world filming "Conspiracy Theory."

The pat downs -- "offensive touching, gripping and rubbing" of his genitals -- constitute unreasonable search and seizure, and meet the definition of sexual assault under Minnesota law, he argues. The full body scans are the subject of scientific criticism over potential health issues, and together they violate his Fourth Amendment rights.

Also named in the lawsuit: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its secretary, Janet Napolitano, and TSA administrator John Pistole.

Ventura wants the court to recognize that his rights were violated, issue a restraining order against the government pat downs and body scans, require it to cover his court costs, and award him unspecified relief -- money.